Tripura chief minister criticises UPA in I-Day speech

Agartala, Aug 15 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar lashed out at the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for going ahead with the India-US nuclear deal in his independence day speech Friday. “The UPA government is going to sign the nuclear deal, jeopardizing the country’s prestige, sovereignty and independent foreign policy,” Sarkar said after unfurling the tricolour here.

“Damaging the democratic values of the country, the party’s (Congress) scandalous efforts to remain in power put the nation in a disgraceful position before the world,” the chief minister added, referring to the cash-for-vote scandal.

Despite a boycott call by separatists, people turned out in large numbers to attend the celebrations.

“A large number of people across the state participated in the celebrations, defying a boycott call by militants,” police spokesman Nepal Das said.

A colourful tableau highlighting the development of the state was brought out in the capital city, while hundreds of school students performed a colourful drill at the Assam Rifles ground, where the official celebrations were held.